Until a few years ago, I had what most people would call a good life. I had a 1 job that paid the bills; I had a good family that I was close to, and I had a place to live and money in the bank for trips and 2, and there was nothing much wrong in my life. However, I was bored.

I wanted more. I wanted to live 3 and loudly and make sharp memories instead of the grey ones of everyday life. But I was 4. I have never had any confidence in myself. As a child, even buying something in a shop caused me a great deal of 5, and even though I did get better as I got older, I never quite 6 that childhood shyness.

And I tried everything, like reading books about confidence. I also took tiny steps leading to my goals. But none of them really 7.

So I 8 that the small steps weren't enough. I signed up for an internship (实习期的工作) of teaching English in Vietnam, an 9 huge step, one that terrified me as much as it excited me. And then the day came and I left my home and my loved ones. I was alone in a country where the food was 10 and the streets were unfamiliar. I had no idea whether I would be able to 11 everything that this very strange environment would 12 at me.

I spent five months in Vietnam, teaching, exploring and laughing, I'd learnt to 13 myself, my skills, my abilities and my decisions. I returned home unrecognizable, even to myself, let alone to others. The 14 that had controlled my life and the self­doubt were 15.

That one big chance changed everything for me, and in me.

I had just visited my best friend in hospital with my mum, hadn't seen my friend since she'd gone into hospital six months earlier.

I knew where she was coming from as she was (grave)ill, but as I'd been visiting her every week I had stopped seeing the obvious; my friend (lose)most of her body weight and her hair was falling out, it wasn't looking good.

After the visit I took my mum to the station (see) her off on her train; the mood was understandably bleak but I stayed positive as well you do, don't you? I went to get  (we) some coffee and my mum some food for the journey. I misread the amount of my purchase and didn't have enough money.

some reason, this was the straw that broke the camel's back; I burst into uncontrollable (tear)as a massive queue was gathering behind me. A woman came up to me and offered to pay, putting an arm round my shoulder, no questions (ask).

I could barely say thank you through the confusion and the flood of emotion that was pumping through me  running off in embarrassment. After composing myself I ran round the station (try)to find this kind lady to thank